Two Thunder Fellows program graduates will receive free tuition for a business degree at TU’s Collins College of Business
The Oklahoma City Thunder and The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business announced today an annual full-tuition, four-year scholarship for two graduating high school seniors who have completed the Thunder Fellows after-school program. Each scholarship is valued at approximately $180,000 ($45,000 per year).
“This transformative commitment removes one of the most significant barriers to students realizing their collegiate and career goals,” said Cedric Ikpo, Thunder Fellows executive director. “It makes access to quality higher education attainable with hard work and persistence. With consistent touchpoints through college, we can ensure our students are set up for success once on campus.”
In addition to tuition, scholarship recipients will also be matched with a business mentor in their chosen area of focus, placed in TU’s CaneCareers Job Placement Guarantee Program, guaranteed an internship after completion of their sophomore year, receive a laptop computer, and receive two complimentary tickets to all TU football and men’s and women’s basketball games in addition to the free admission given to all students.
“Collins College of Business is excited to welcome these accomplished students to continue to hone their skills and become active participants at The University of Tulsa,” said Kathy Taylor, Collins College of Business Genave King Rogers Dean. “The faculty at Collins College ensure students receive an education that prepares them for success. TU President Brad R. Carson and I are honored to be a part of this transformative partnership.”
To apply for the TU scholarship, Thunder Fellows students must:
- Successfully complete the Thunder Fellows after-school program.
- Successfully complete a high school degree.
- Apply and be admitted to The University of Tulsa.
- Pursue an undergraduate degree at the Collins College of Business.
- Annually complete at least 30 hours of course work at The University of Tulsa.
Founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency, Thunder Fellows is a free after-school program for Black high school students. Located in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, the program applies a data and analytics curriculum, uniquely tailored to industry standards so students can be proficient in essential skillsets and gain hands-on experiences highly sought after by recruiters. Thunder Fellows leverages a strategic pipeline of local and national contacts to provide exclusive access to mentors, professional coaching, and meaningful employment opportunities.